By Lee Richardson

A provincial campaign appealing for international students to qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is reaching out to policy-makers.

The campaign – driven by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) with numerous student unions – opposes Ontario’s University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), which is mandatory for international students.

“We’re going to contact university presidents, embassies and different government ministers who are directly involved,” said Lise de Montbrun, vice-president student life and events at the Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU).

The province withdrew international student OHIP coverage in 1994. David Jensen, ministry of health and long-term care spokesperson believes a return to OHIP is unlikely because international students aren’t considered permanent residents.

“The expectation is that the student will return to his or her home of origin after the completion of their education.”